09 May

What to Look for in a Brain Injury Lawyer in Chicago

Posted by MSC

We drink our morning coffee and drive to work without thinking about the role our brain plays in these everyday activities. Most of us take this vital organ for granted…until the unthinkable happens. If you or a loved one sustains (or is born with) a serious brain injury, your life can change forever. Some brain injuries are accidental, while others are the result of negligence or medical malpractice. In those instances, hiring an experienced Chicago brain injury lawyer is the best way to obtain the compensation you deserve.

In the U.S., about 2.6 million people experience some type of brain injury every year. The main causes of brain damage are trauma and oxygen deprivation. Traumatic brain injuries typically result when there is blunt force to the head, such as a fall or birth injury. Patients can be deprived of oxygen in a variety of situations.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Resulting From Falls

When nursing home residents or hospital patients fall, they can sustain serious brain injuries. If the person fell because of inadequate safety measures or supervision, they may have grounds for a lawsuit.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Resulting From Birth Injuries

Newborns have fragile brains and softer skulls than older children and adults. Therefore, if a doctor makes a mistake during labor and/or delivery, severe brain damage can result.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Caused by Oxygen Deprivation

We most commonly hear about babies born with cerebral palsy caused by oxygen deprivation during labor and/or delivery. However, patients can experience oxygen deprivation under other circumstances. It can be caused by emergency room treatment, surgery, or from complications of a stroke, shock or cardiac arrest. Additionally, conditions such as cerebral edema (swelling), brain hemorrhages and hydrocephalus can prevent the brain from absorbing oxygen.

Common Medical Mistakes That Can Cause Brain Injuries

If a healthcare provider commits any of these errors, and a brain injury results from the mistake, the victim may be able to file a medical malpractice claim.

Failing to perform a cesarean section when the fetus is in distress
Insufficient monitoring of high-risk mothers during pregnancy and delivery
Using forceps or suction instruments incorrectly during difficult deliveries
Delayed diagnosis and/or treatment of hydrocephalus
Incorrect diagnosis and follow-up after a fall or other blunt force trauma to the head
Anesthesia errors
Medication mistakes such as incorrect prescriptions or failing to administer prescribed medication
Improper treatment of serious asthma attacks
Failure to diagnose and treat a stroke or heart attack in time to prevent brain damage
Failing to diagnose and treat a blood clot or aneurysm
Delayed and/or incorrect diagnosis and treatment of diabetes or insulin shock

Brain Injuries Can Result From Nursing Home Negligence

Residents who fall in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities often sustain serious brain damage. An elderly person may fall because of negligence on the part of the staff or the facility. Here are some examples:

Poor lighting in hallways
Lack of hand rails or other safety features
Failure to provide bed rails for vulnerable patients
Inadequate supervision due to insufficient staffing levels
Lack of fall prevention training for staff members
Loose carpet or other hazards